Know Thy Enemy: Sacramento
Sacramento Kings: 44-38 (8th in the Western Conference)
Big Gains: Acquired John Salmons and Loren Woods, drafted Quincy Douby
Big Losses: Bonzi Wells is still a UFA, but ain't comin' back; Jamal Sampson, Sergei Monia.
Should you be interested in drawing up a services contract for an explosive guard with a questionable attitude, you'll need more than $38 million spread over five years. Or at least you will for this particular guard. That's the figure Bonzi Wells turned down from the Kings, and while that seems like more than enough to feed his family (and Latrell Sprewell's, for that matter), it apparently isn't good enough for the Bonzinator. Or wasn't at least. Now, Wells looks like he might have had a change of heart (an apathetic response to your free agency will do that), but the Kings have moved on. They're in the John Salmons business now. Seriously. So Sacto loses some scoring, and very likely loses more 'tude. Given the money he wanted initially, I don't blame Basketball Operations chief Geoff Petrie for passing. But still, it's a net drain in talent.
But hey, why dwell on the negative? Well, because for Laker fans, when it comes to Sacramento, that's more fun than a barrel of monkeys. (By the way, can anyone explain what's so fun about a barrel of monkeys? That just seems cruel.) But I digress...
There is good news in the land of politicians and pastures. Namely, a full season of Ron Artest. Sure, it's good news laced with the ever present possibility of bedlam, but good news nonetheless. And how much trouble can a guy get into in Sacramento? You know, aside from developing a meth habit. At the very least, Ron Ron should dominate the music scene. The Kings were a different — and better — team after the deal that sent Peja Stojakovic to Indiana, and even without Wells will return a solid nucleus that includes Mike Bibby, Brad Miller, Shareef Abdur Rahim, Kenny Thomas, and a rapidly improving Kevin Martin, who at this point could be the best K-Mart in the league.
The day after Christmas last year, the Kings looked like a sinking ship: 10-17, better than only Portland in the WC, and going nowhere. In mid-January, Sacramento picked up Artest, but by the first of February were still seven games under .500 (19-26). Well, they finished six games over, which means Sacramento played their final 37 games at 25-12. That ain't too shabby. So like the Lakers, the Kings can be encouraged by a strong finish.
How it will translate into '06-'07 success is largely in the hands of new coach Eric Musselman, replacing Rick Adelman, who was sacked after eight solid years, the equivalent to Queen Victoria's reign given the rate at which NBA coaches are typically turned over. Musselman, of course, is the young dude who very nearly drove the Warriors to respectability in two seasons at Golden State, and was the runner up to the '03 Coach of the Year award. That he couldn't get the turnaround completed isn't exactly a shock. Fighting the losing inertia that is Golden State is like trying to keep the Earth from rotating. Those are some serious forces at work. And of course, the Warriors canned him, which helps explain why they're still so bad. Musselman has a rep for emphasizing defense, an area in which the Kings can certainly improve. With Artest around, at least Musselman has one really good weapon at his disposal in the effort to defend the Sacto hoop.
Musselman also has a rep for being something of a tight-ass disciplinarian, which should work out great with Ron Ron as well. Forgive Kings fans if they walk around with umbrellas all winter. It would suck for that other shoe to hit you on the head after it drops, right?
The Verdict: All in all, a solid-if-unspectacular team. Just like in L.A., the strong finish is encouraging the cow bell faithful, but in reality, the Kings will be fortunate to make the playoffs. Talent should give them a very good shot at the top eight, but if they falter at all, Houston, New Orleans, and perhaps even Utah could leave Sacramento out in the cold. Best case scenario, they add three, maybe four wins to their total from last year, and sneak into the six spot (we're talking seriously aligned planets, here). More likely, the Kings will produce a record more like their '05-'06 campaign. Not enough to finish ahead of a healthy L.A. squad.
—BK
Only one this time instead of three? =(
Posted by: Robert Chen | September 05, 2006 at 04:19 AM
Hey people its my first time commenting on the blog but I have been on this continously since last December. Best sports blog I have found on the net. Im in Sweden right now and this is my only link to the Laker world. No Vic the Brick out here lots of blondes though so Im not complainin.
As for the Queens... Bring it! I hope the Kings are just as good as the Lakers this season. Thats at always been my favorite rivalry over the past years and lately it has lost some of its fire. If the Lakers and Kings are battling for post season position down the stretch and the Lakers happen to knock them into a lower seed or out altogether that would be so F'ING AWESOME!!!
As for Bonzi Wells, he is a talented player. I think he underachieves at times. If he had resigned with the Kings he may have lost the drive that he displayed in the playoffs and just coasted or cruised happy to just be getting paid. Maybe on another team he will have more to prove.
To SonnyBeltfast: Why do you always come on this blog and hate on the Lakers and Kobe dude? Dont you have some cows to herd and some corn to grow homeboy... j/k. I think your neato. Entertaining at least.
Peace & Love
Posted by: UCLA.KERS | September 05, 2006 at 04:26 AM
Completely off topic, I know. But please allow me this...
With all the hate, anamosity, jealousy, and violence associated with sports and the world in general, it was always pleasant to break from it all, if only for a moment, and enjoy the presence of someone like Steve Irwin, aka The Crocodile Hunter.
He was a man who embraced life and living for humans and animals. He was an educator, and as such he was an enricher of life. He was funny, and as such he instilled the soul with happiness. And he was a family man, a loving husband and a father.
As we enter the football/basketball season, with all of the Raiders controversy on the horizon, the Kobe hating, the criticizing of our local sports teams, whenever you need a break from all of the negativity and madness that so many of us have become use to, remember Steve, watch his show if you haven't ever, and realize that there are actually moments in this crazy life that pure of hate and trivility.
Blessings to you and your family, Steve.
Posted by: Troy | September 05, 2006 at 05:54 AM
Thanks BK, its good to be talking about the upcoming season rather than just speculating about endless trade scenarios that will never happen. I think the west will be a dog fight. Here's my take:
1st tier: San Antonio, Dallas, Phoenix
2nd tier: Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, Kings
3rd tier: Rockets, Grizzlies*, Jazz, Hornets
4th tier: Sonics, Warriors, Blazers
(Grizz move up to 2nd tier when Gasol gets back)
Posted by: rdlee | September 05, 2006 at 06:20 AM
I thought the queens had been relegated to the nbdl. On the real though, the weird thing is when I think of Ron Artest, I'm like wow, pair him with Kobe and we'd be a beast defensively ... ala Mike and Pippen. But with him in Sacto, I'm like "just you wait henry higgins, just you wait ... you'll be sorry when he starts chucking knives at the fans" ... what can I say, I got a hater in me too, only I dnt let it rage out of control and spend all my time on the queens blog talking about how artest has rabies ( ya hear that steven ).
Wish I could just fall into a coma for 2 months and wakeup on the 1st day of regular season. This is our time, the reign of Kobe is upon us.
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | September 05, 2006 at 06:39 AM
What a damper of an assessment for Sonnybelfast's Sac Queens. There you are Sonnyboy. A realistic and non-rose colored glasses view of your team. They can have Bonzi back for all i care (sorry Laker Tom).
Posted by: Lysander | September 05, 2006 at 06:54 AM
hmmm AK and BK i think lakertom had a point.
sacto alone?this will make sonny open so many debates and fights that he will get a 100 replies.
bling bling.the way u guys are putting it we might be a top 4 seed and win the division.when was that bad.i hope so.i doubt that tmac abd yao will stay healthy,and i dont think peja was more than an expenxive mistake.but thats me.btw other than bibby who i gonna do the scoring.(i read roumurs than bibby might wanna leave coz of problems with in the team).(is it evil to hope for nash to fall down and break his leg taken bell with him(bell just for the fun))
Posted by: purple and gold | September 05, 2006 at 06:58 AM
the queens at best will probably be in the 8th or 9th spot in the west..
the loss of bonzi wells in their backcourt is huge..
i dont know about kevin martin, but i see that he is a young player with talent..
i completely agree with you BK that these queens wont even come close to our lakers squad..
go kobe!
go lakers!
Posted by: Brylle | September 05, 2006 at 07:18 AM
A brief rundown of all 30 teams, nothing new, but if you need to kill some time, it'll do.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_18599.shtml
"Kobe supposedly has pushed Smush hard this off-season, urging him to stay in the gym and work on his shooting"
My man Kobe continues to lead during the off-season, trying to keep the troops motivated even though there's no action in sight. I hear Smush is: bringing sexxy back, yup, dem other boyz don't know how to ball, yup
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | September 05, 2006 at 07:19 AM
Good post BK. But, I would be prepared for Sonny to throw a few cowbells at you. I mean you're saying that the team from "God's Country" isn't as good as LA. lol
Posted by: Xodus | September 05, 2006 at 07:28 AM
BK
More importantly than "knowing thy enemy" is for the Lakers to "know thyself".
Will Phil Jackson be able to make the adjustments to create a system that will get the best results from his talent especially the new talent (Radmanovic)? Will he be able to do this early in the season or will he talk about how long it takes to learn the triangle?
Will Phil Jackson emphasize defensive basketball principles against the pick and roll.....the same pick and roll that destroyed the U.S.A. National team? In the past Phil has been very lax in this area.......and by the way since the European teams played such great "team ball" which team if any ran the triangle?
Also the most popular N.B.A player in Asia didn't even suit up last week........Hint: He is known by one name.
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/sports/200609/kt2006090517262511650.htm
Posted by: pfunk36 | September 05, 2006 at 07:40 AM
BK,
I agree that the Queens have a hard time passing our beloved Lakers. The two wild cards for them will be how well the players respond to Musselman - he is more of a disciplinarian. More importantly is does Ron Ron remain a good team player or does he start to go T.O. on the Kings? They could be scary but I just doubt that they can pull it off, everything would have to break just right for the Kings to be a serious player in the playoffs. GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Eagleboy | September 05, 2006 at 07:40 AM
Nice write-up, BK.
What's the story with Jamal Sampson? Is he healthy? I'd like to see him back in Purple and Gold again.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | September 05, 2006 at 07:51 AM
It's too bad for Adelman he could never overcome the Lakers in his years in Sacramento. As much as I loathe the Kings, I have to admit that he did a very good job up there. Oh well, I hope they never win another game.
Posted by: B$ | September 05, 2006 at 07:52 AM
I hate Ron Artest and I think there is a strong possibility that he will go bonkers one night under the cacaphony of cow bells and attack some hapless nachos vendor, but... he is quite a gifted and inspiring player.
I'm thinking the Queens will take the seventh spot.
I hope Bonzi Wells gets sent to New York or Seattle. Never liked that bitchy, whiney players.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | September 05, 2006 at 07:55 AM
BK,
Great meth habit reference, never a bad time for one of those.
As for the Kings, I have them about the same as Lakers so I have to agree with your comments. My guess, with everyone healthy on both squads, deciding which team will do better this season is a coin flip.
Good to hear Smush working out with Kobe, I'm rooting for him to come back from that disappointing ending to last season.
Posted by: Andrew Z | September 05, 2006 at 08:22 AM
Kobe visits Disneyland hong kong
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/71784792.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=08A8BA3C818346D034819DC9CCA47A16
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/71785043.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193CC300C081D9F47004BA22924CF79F036DDB4C3932E76F3C1
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/71784573.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=08A8BA3C818346D0AB2F412245C671BB
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/71784578.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=08A8BA3C818346D0988D03707539F96F
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/71785046.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193CC300C081D9F47004BA22924CF79F036C0A4153C60158C89
Posted by: lakofan | September 05, 2006 at 08:29 AM
BK,
Great analysis. Losing Bonzi won't be the end of the world for Sac. Kevin Martin is nice and gets better every year. One thing Sac has done much better than the Lakers is draft good young talent. Martin, Salmons, Garcia, and Douby should be able to pick up some of the slack. However, like BK mentioned, to take any kind of a dip in talent when most of the West teams made improvements could be killer.
And although the Kings have some decent young talent, Bibby and Miller look like they are about to slow down and looked (especially) bad on defense last year. Lucky for them, Artest will keep them in the hunt. Without him, this team wouldve been really bad.
If all the teams remain completely healthy (esp those Rockets), I expect the Kings to get the 8th or 9th spot....and closer to the 9th.
Posted by: wiZo | September 05, 2006 at 08:58 AM
My heart goes out to Steve Irwin. What a sad loss, but he really got under my skin when he brought his baby in the ring with him with the crocks. Not a good move to say the least. That was incredibly stupid!!! GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: keifo | September 05, 2006 at 09:21 AM
Pfunk,
I believe this is who'll be interviewing Kobe in Seoul. Thought you'd be interested.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jXSL1-uaEzs
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | September 05, 2006 at 09:26 AM
Hate to put a damper on things, but "know thy enemy" has to mean a realistic assessment. And that means acknowledging that the Kings are probably a better team than the Lakers. Sure, Ron Ron could scuttle the whole thing, and yeah, they have a new coach and are losing Bonzi, but absent some unforeseen improvement, I've gotta think that Bibby-Martin-Artest-Abdur-Rahim-Miller is better than Smush-Kobe-Vlad-Lamar-Kwame.
Posted by: RM | September 05, 2006 at 09:32 AM
the queens are the queens. how they call themselves the kings if they have never won a title? kings of what (that goes for the l.a. hockey team as well).
off subject, but when is team usa going to truly put out their best possible squad?
Posted by: Joey | September 05, 2006 at 09:49 AM
Jon:
Jamal Sampson signed with Denver.
Posted by: rdlee | September 05, 2006 at 09:58 AM
RM,
That's a good point. That Queens will be tough this year. I do like the Lakers line-up better. I hope Kwame can stand up to Miller this year and muscle him around a little. That'll be the key to beating the Queens in my opinion.
Posted by: Rocky | September 05, 2006 at 10:02 AM
RM,
I think the King's lineup sounds (somewhat) imposing only on paper cuz they have the "bigger name" players. But Bibby and Miller are slowing down...not good for already slow players. Bibby, Miller, and Shareef ...while very good offensive players...are creampuffs on D. Martin is a real nice player, quick, athletic, good overall player. But Kobe will destroy Martin, who seems like he's half the size of Kobe mass-wise. Really, its incredible how much Artest brings to this team, offensively and especially defensively. Remember, their defensive #s were atrocious before Artest came on board. Artest will keep them in the hunt, and Kenny Thomas is actually a key player for them....but as of now, the Lakers look like the better, more balanced team.
Posted by: wiZo | September 05, 2006 at 10:25 AM
great writeup. it pains me the most to see artest on the kings. i really liked artest for his nitty gritty D, and physical play, and well, him being on the kings now brings down his likeability factor. granted the kings are nowhere near the 2002 kings team, but i still can't root for them or their cowbells.
RM...
they might have better talent on paper, but we'll see who's still got their same starting 5 come january.
on a sidenote, why does that hatred for sacto still remain? it's not like they're much of a threat for the lakers. why is it that i can't stand the kings or their fans? i don't have nearly the same hatred for the jazz who swept us out of consecutive playoffs appearances?
Posted by: afroninja | September 05, 2006 at 10:27 AM
RM-
Trust me, I'll be getting to plenty of teams I think are better than the Lakers, and I'm sure AK has a batch as well. I think it's close, and it's not out of the question that the Kings could finish ahead of LA, but if you're asking me now who I think will have the better record- which is the basic point of this one- I'll say the Lakers.
As for just doing the Kings, we're going to be doing the rest of the teams one or two at a time, b/c they're far more relevant to the discussion than say, Portland and Golden State, who can be dismissed more quickly. We're now entering the group of teams that realistically will be part of the chase, so to speak.
Plus, there's still a long time before training camp opens.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | September 05, 2006 at 10:43 AM
Rocky,
Actually, Kwame muscling Brad Miller around doesn't help much since Miller is one of the centers who spends most of the time on the perimeter. He's probably the best passing center in the league, and he has an above average outside shot. The problem this causes us is that drawing Kwame away from the basket takes away his biggest strength, one-on-one post defense. I think we saw Phoenix exploit this to it's maximum in the playoffs last year.
wiZo,
I read recently that Bibby has spent the off-season getting in shape and losing weight. He mentioned that he's the lightest and quickest he's been since college, so that throws the "slowing down" theory out the window.
I do believe the Lakers are better at this moment, but not by much, and really, if the Kings ended up better it wouldn't be a huge shock to me.
Posted by: Andrew Z | September 05, 2006 at 11:09 AM
RM,
You stated:
"Hate to put a damper on things, but "know thy enemy" has to mean a realistic assessment. And that means acknowledging that the Kings are probably a better team than the Lakers. Sure, Ron Ron could scuttle the whole thing, and yeah, they have a new coach and are losing Bonzi, but absent some unforeseen improvement, I've gotta think that Bibby-Martin-Artest-Abdur-Rahim-Miller is better than Smush-Kobe-Vlad-Lamar-Kwame."
I beg to differ because that Sac team didn't improve anything. Matter of fact they took a step back by losing Bonzi. In a league where you must improve every year, the Kings didn't do that. Martin is not better than Bonzi' sorry, and the Lakers added more shooting(Vlad and Shammond). The Lakers are more versatile now w/ Vlad being able to play both forward spots like LO and being able to stretch the floor which is an obvious improvement. Just because they might look good on paper doesn't mean anything. The Rockets looked good on paper last year and they didn't make the playoffs. Luck and injuries are always a factor. So, I believe BK's assessment ofthe Kings is very accurate.
dref
Posted by: dref | September 05, 2006 at 11:25 AM
Kobe's coming to Korea!!!!!!! sweet!!!!!!
great post BK
Posted by: Koreaman | September 05, 2006 at 12:29 PM
AZ,
My opinion about Kwame muscling up Miller being the key is based on last year's match-up's between the two. It seemed to me that when Kwame was getting pushed around underneath the basket, the Lakers lost. When Kwame held his ground against Miller, we won. Miller was intimidating Kwame in the first couple match-ups. But in that last game, Kwame held his own, didn't back down, showed some pride, and the Lakers killed the Queens in that game.
I'm not too worried about Miller stepping outside. The team defense along with Kwame can and will get a hand in Miller's face. I would also think that if an outside shot(20 ft & beyond) by the center is the best the Queens can come up with, let Miller fire away.
Kwame just can't let Miller get into his head and intimidate him. Miller can be a dirty player. And Kwame can be a weak-minded player. Whether Kwame can handle Miller is the biggest question in my mind when thinking about the Queens, the other players cancel each other out. Kwame showed he can do it. Can he be consistent with it?
Posted by: Rocky | September 05, 2006 at 12:30 PM
Not that this has any relevance at all to this discussion, but I read a comment from a fan on another website that asked the question of where we would be if we hadn't released Brian Grant with that "Allen Houston Rule". Obviously Dr. Buss saved $15 million and more power to him for doing that, but you have to think that a $15 million expiring contract at the trade deadline this year would be a pretty valuable commodity to have, especially in a year where KG is basically at a make it or break it point with the Wolves, amongst other players who could help us.
I mean, you take the $15 million from Grant, and there is a possibility a package for KG could be made without including LO. I just think that it would have been nice to have that option.
But since it's obviously day dreaming, forget I ever said anything.
Posted by: Andrew Z | September 05, 2006 at 12:33 PM
AK & BK how many wins do you guys have on the Laker season?
Posted by: LakeMan | September 05, 2006 at 01:03 PM
I could care less about those queens. I do think they will do well just like Bk said, but this laker team will kick their sorry a**es. I dont even understand letting Adelman go and signing musselman, those guys in the locker room wont give him the respect he will need to run the team. Signing Nelson to this team will make more of a sense. He's the best coach not coaching when he was out, but the warriorrs did the job by picking him up.
Go Kobe, boy is doing so much work this summer and hes doing a great job. Im saying it, Kobe will be 06-07 mvp, and this will be due to him doing what he does on the court, and his summer work. Im starting to forget Kobe past troubles, and that is a good thing cuz we can all start judging by what he does on the court.
Like Taliq says,
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: wow | September 05, 2006 at 01:08 PM
Troy,
Ditto on Steve Irwin. A kindred spirit, a real conservationist and family man.
Hey "Laker" fans,
I'm waiting in the wings. Humming a little toon.
Making a list
Checking it twice
Gonna find out who's naughty or nice
Of late, in deference to Laker Tom, I've exercised considerable restraint. Don't force me to unharness my "Testes".
For now, gotta get back to growing that corn and herding those cows. I'll enjoy reading your posts late this evening.
See you then.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | September 05, 2006 at 01:16 PM
Rocky,
Kwame and "consistent" have gone together like oil and water thus far in his career. I'm right there with you hoping that he gets it between the ears this year and helps us win a few more games.
Good point about Miller shooting 20 footers. I guess that wouldn't be all that bad.
Posted by: Andrew Z | September 05, 2006 at 01:25 PM
For those who want to trade Chris Mihm, here's an opportunity from the Grizzlies.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_18603.shtml
Since an inevitable demand do exists, Lakers could ask for First Round Draft Pick plus cash. In my opinion, I would still cling to Chris Mihm, a 7 footer you're not sure he might break out this season.
With regards to Sacto, the only attractive players they've got are Bibby and Ron Ron. Brad Miller was a bad choice in Team USA, he was supposed to help in the last two games but he was being overpowered by nimble international players on the board, once in a while he gets the 3 but he was there to control the board, provide a nasty defense and all the post jobs not the perimeter work, he's too too slow for his height. This year without Bonzi in the line up, I doubt if Sacto could pass Rockets and NO/K.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | September 05, 2006 at 01:27 PM
AK why isnt the latimes covering kobe on his 81 asia tour,why only report the negative news on him?
Posted by: gina | September 05, 2006 at 01:32 PM
Jon Kavulic,
You would like to see Sampson back? .....Why?
Posted by: Ken | September 05, 2006 at 01:32 PM
http://www.sactownroyalty.com/
Sonny,
I remember you saying that there's not much to be found for Queens blogs earlier in the year.
Just thought I'd post for your pleasure. A blog that was, in fact, referred on this here Laker Blog way early in the season. I've continually gone back because..well..the guy writes a pretty informed and quite entertaining blog. In case you didn't already know about it. They'll even keep you up to date on the new stadium and such. Topics that matter not to me.
Recently entertaining posts.
"Go away, Bonzi. Just go away."
and
"Sprewell didn't hate PJ Carlesimo. He had the hots for him."
Posted by: S.Tan | September 05, 2006 at 01:38 PM
Gina,
"AK why isnt the latimes covering kobe on his 81 asia tour,why only report the negative news on him?"
I have no idea, since BK and I aren't a part of such decisions. But it could be for many reasons. Perhaps they offered to follow Kobe around and he declined. Maybe they didn't have a writer to spare (it's not a huge staff on the sports department). It could be a budget thing (that's an expensive assignment, sending a writer overseas). Maybe it's too similar to the coverage T-Mac has gotten for traveling to Asia. Mike Bresnahan, their beat writer, recently wrote a long piece on Kobe that focused a fair amount on Kobe's reemergence in the marketplace, so they might have thought it was covered territory. Or they might just think it's not that interesting.
But truth be told, I'm just throwing darts. LIke I said, I really don't know.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | September 05, 2006 at 01:40 PM
Edwin,
I'll take one more swing at the dead horse. I think trading Mihm would be a bad idea, even for a first round pick. This is all based on the fact that I do not think Andrew Bynum is ready to contribute 18-25 minutes of productive basketball at an NBA level yet, and that leaves Kwame Brown as our only five and that scares the crap out of me.
Some wonder if we don't trade him would we lose him for nothing at the end of the season and I don't agree with that statement. I think if we don't trade him we get one of the best back-up centers in the league for an entire season where we are trying to advance in the playoffs. A player like Chris Mihm is going to be extremely helpful.
If the ultimate goal of this franchise is to build on the success they had last year, trading away a big man who contributed quite a bit is not the way to go. I still see Bynum getting 5-10 minutes a game, mostly in garbage time or early on in competitive games, and Chris Mihm splitting time between the 4 and 5. If at the end of the season he wants to walk, that's fine. We get a year of service from a hard working guy in a contract year, and his salary off the books when his contract expires. It's a win-win if you ask me.
Posted by: Andrew Z | September 05, 2006 at 01:48 PM
AK
I checked out the link for the video with the guy appearing with Kobe in Korea.....Thanks!.......I think?
Posted by: pfunk36 | September 05, 2006 at 01:57 PM
AK,
This is completely off the subject, but it bothers me. Do you or anyone know who's responsible for choosing the photos for NBA's PHOTO of the YEAR contest or how they're chosen?? Kobe's contest photo does not in any way represent the sick moves he's made on the court this past season....and I know they were all photographed. Seems like he's being set up to lose against D-Wade, Lebron and others. I'm sure other players may be in the same boat, but it's an injustice to all not to enter the best photos available. (especially Kobe's photos)
Posted by: HoustonLaker | September 05, 2006 at 01:57 PM
AK, is winning 52 games realistic?
Posted by: LakeMan | September 05, 2006 at 02:06 PM
AZ,
I agree with you.
During the Labor Day Weekend, there was another round of Mihm trade with Darius Miles. No way with Miles, but if there is any to unload him is at this time when Grizzlies needs badly a substitute for the injured Pau Gasol. As i said in my post, I would hold on to Mihm as an insurance to Andrew and Kwame who are both 50-50. Secondly, I like Mihm as the second defender in the post to block shots that escapes from defense of Vlad and LO. With that kind of hidden defender strategy, he avoids committing fouls on one-on-one defense. I'll think he will contribute 12/10 this year as a substitute.
Rocky,
Here's the news about Darius Miles from the Oregonian that he has bad knees. Hmmn, another Brian Grant's knees, he's too young to have bad knees.
http://www.oregonlive.com/canzano/index.ssf?/mtlogs/olive_JohnCanzano/archives/2006_09.html
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | September 05, 2006 at 02:45 PM
HoustonLaker,
I agree about the photo. They should have the one where Kobe dunked over Nash in the playoffs. I know there were many other worthy pics, but that one was my favorite just because I think Nash is a fairy and Kobe can basically ball on him at will. Can you imagine Kobe's stats if he was running D'Antoni's offense? If Kobe and Nash swapped teams then Phx would have won the championship last year and the Lakers would have gotten a better draft pick.
S. Tan,
I checked out the Sacto blog. The articles are articulate and I like them; I think I saw 4 comments on one topic, haha. I know that they have lots of fans up there. Perhaps we won the lottery and picked up the only literate one.
Posted by: Marcus | September 05, 2006 at 02:48 PM
BK:
Nice review of the Kings. I agree with you on everything. Let me make sure about this. If you believe the best case scenario for the Kings is to slip into the six spot and you believe they will not finish ahead of the Lakers, does that mean that your best case for the Lakers is at least the number five slot? It is hard evaluating your evaluation of other teams relative to the Lakers when we don’t have your evaluation of the Lakers – at least, your “formal” evaluation. I am predicting that the Lakers will end up a the number three seed. What is your prediction? Thanks.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 05, 2006 at 02:53 PM
UCLA.KERS:
Nice handle. Welcome to the arena. How about that Ben Howland. More Kevin Love. Now we need Singlar.
Tom
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Lysander:
Shhh! Let sleeping queens lie. Shhh!
Tom
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Xodus:
I’m afraid it won’t be cow”bells” that sonny throws.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 05, 2006 at 02:55 PM
Gina/AK
Gina, that was an excellent question, it was one I pondered as well.
"AK why isnt the latimes covering kobe on his 81 asia tour,why only report the negative news on him?"
I just read AK's "speculation" as to why "they" the LAtimes are not covering the 81 asia tour.....he likened it to "just throwing darts".
Well let me throw some darts as well.....if you don't mind Gina?
Perhaps they NEVER offered to follow Kobe around and he never had a chance to accept or decline. Maybe they do have a spare writer ( What else is the LAKER BEATWRITER doing these days?) Maybe somebody would be smart enough to realize T-Mac is based in Houston and LA fans really could care less about his Asian Tour.......I don't know......that just makes since to me......what do you think Gina?
If Mike Bresnahan recently wrote a long piece on Kobe that focused a fair amount on Kobe's reemergence in the marketplace.....I haven't seen it......would you please post that link!!
Based on the all-star voting tabulation last year Kobe is the biggest international NBA star in the league......which is always news because that makes Kobe the number one guy with taking our sport and making it global and more diverse......which should always be interesting.
Maybe the Editors of the LAtimes are out of touch with the people of LA if they think this story isn't interesting, because it certainly is making news in Asia.
It's funny Gina, but they even seem to be more fair in reporting the news without personal slants, but what do I know.......I'm just throwing darts as well.
http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?rep=2&aid=320344&ssid=93&sid=SPO
Posted by: pfunk36 | September 05, 2006 at 03:01 PM